Motorcycle accidents usually have dire consequences. Because the driver is not as well protected as they would be in a car or truck, the injuries can be much more serious. The driver also has to keep watch for other vehicles that are not paying attention to their surroundings. Since there are so many factors involved, there are many other legal ramifications when an accident happens that go beyond the simple property damage issue.
The owner of the bike hit twice when there is a crash. The first time is the actual crash. The property damage and injuries are devastating in most cases. The second hit is from reduced claim payments due to a reluctant insurance industry. The companies factor in as many things as possible to avoid full payments. Using all of the circumstances of the crash, they will try to find violations that allow them to reduce their liability.
Many claims go unpaid or are settled for less. The industry often takes a bigger hit on the claims for injury in this type of crash. Because of this, they often make it much more difficult to receive the claim payment. Often, people simply give up and settle for much less than they should expect to receive. This can leave someone who is permanently injured struggling to pay bills that built up during an extended hospital stay.
States have special laws regarding motorcycles and accidents they are involved in. The bike is a very different type of transportation. Every state has some law regarding helmets or other safety equipment. In some states, they are required, while in others there is no requirement. These varying laws also cause havoc for insurance carriers. Working through these laws and their effects is not easy.
The seriousness of the accident is a big part of the investigation process. Since these types of accidents can end in permanent injury or death, the legal ramifications are often much more extensive as well. If another vehicle hit the bike, causing death, the other driver may be charged with a serious crime. In any case, the investigation will be lengthy and have a severe impact on the payouts from insurance carriers.
The bike itself is often totaled. Unfortunately, this may be the easiest part of the claims process. The insurance carrier can easily figure the value of the bike and make the payment. They may be inclined to wrap this into a total settlement package to avoid paying higher medical claims.
Having a experienced lawyer to work through the process is important. Many attorneys have little experience regarding motorcycles. If they are not an enthusiast, they may not appreciate the situation as much. Finding an attorney that is experienced in this type of situation is important because they will not have preconceived judgments about riders and the risks taken.
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. Since the possibility is that the injuries will be much more serious, it is important to have an attorney that can walk through the claims process and make sure that the injured person is taken care of properly. The legal ramifications for this can be difficult to process without the right type of representation.
Serving Toronto for over 50 years, the most trusted personal injury lawyers in Toronto are specialists in car accidents, brain injury, and slip and fall cases. Call the best personal injury lawyer Toronto today.